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O'Connor resigns from FUHSD; trustee seat open for applications

An individual is being sought to fill a position on the Fallbrook Union High School District (FUHSD) board of trustees following the notice of resignation submitted by Bill O’Connor, who has served in the position for seven years. The unification of the Bonsall school district is what has necessitated the action, since district governing board members must reside in the school district they serve. O’Connor’s residence will now be within the Bonsall Unified boundary.

“When the effort to pass Proposition B was underway, I knew that if Bonsall became unified it would put me out of a job,” said O’Connor. “After the election was certified, I inquired as to what the procedure would be and was told I didn’t have to resign until June 1, 2014, but I feel it’s best to have a new person begin understanding the process and the job now.” O’Connor will perform his duties, he said, until August 1.

His current (second) term runs until November 2014.

“If someone gets involved now, then perhaps he or she could put their hat in the ring for the next election,” he said.

O’Connor, who has been very visible in the community carrying out his duties, says his service on the board has been satisfying and challenging.

“Since I came onto the board, we’ve been in survival mode due to the downturn in the economy; we have always been trying to work on the budget and we are now at the point that the next budget should be sustainable and the district should be able to maintain fiscal integrity; that is an accomplishment,” said O’Connor, admitting some of the reductions were not what he would have preferred to do.

“Some of the cuts are not what I would have liked, but it has gotten us closer to a balanced budget,” he said.

Certain achievements stand out in O’Connor’s mind.

“I am satisfied we were able to work out keeping the district office next to the schools and that we were able to improve the stadium with the new track and turf,” he said.

Challenges on the horizon, O’Connor said, undoubtedly involve the change with Bonsall.

“To be frank, the Bonsall unification is going to make more difficult.” he said.

At its June 10 board meeting, the Fallbrook Union High School District decided to move forward immediately in seeking applicants to fill O’Connor’s seat.

According to superintendent Dr. Dale Mitchell, candidates for the seat must be 18 years old or older, a citizen of California, and a resident and registered voter in the Fallbrook Union High School District. An application form (along with guidelines for holding a public office) can be obtained by sending an email to [email protected], downloaded at http://www.fuhsd.net or picked up at the district office, 2234 South Stage Coach Lane, Fallbrook.

“The Board of Trustees will make an appointment to fill the vacancy in an open session at its July 8, 2013 regular meeting,” said Mitchell in a press release. “At that time, candidates who have submitted completed applications will be interviewed by board members.”

 

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